It is clear that Pepe is really beloved at Real Madrid and today’s birthday surprise at Valdebebas really demonstrated it. The four captains presented Pepe with a sweet looking tarta for his 27th birthday and the whole gang sang for the Brazi-Portugues, who is still recovering from his serious injury from this past December. This is what he had to say about his b-day surprise (For those who speak Español and are too lazy to read, watch the vid):

“Upon arriving today, my team-mates told me I had to come out for the coach’s team talk. I thought it was a bit strange because I never join them for that. I asked the coach about it and he told me I had to be there because I am part of the team. I started to talk to everyone and I didn’t notice Raul, Iker, Sergio and Guti were missing. They suddenly came up behind me singing Happy Birthday. It was a very moving surprise.”

“It was fantastic, incredible. I wouldn’t be able to get over this without my team-mates. I’ve told them I wouldn’t be recovering the way I am if it wasn’t for their support. I am grateful to them and everyone else who is helping me because every day I have hopes of recovering soon.”

“I want to be many more years at Real Madrid. I hope we are all healthy and that we may win many titles. I want Real Madrid to reach the next round in the Champions League. It’s in our hands. I know my team-mates will do their best.”

AS is reporting that supposedly Raul’s agent told Soccernet that his client could leave Madrid in 2011, seeing as Raul has only been in the starting line-up six times in La Liga since Pellegrini took reins as manager. As a self declared Raulista it pains me to hear such news, but part of me tells me this story ain’t all that true. So I am not too worried. Furthermore, AS continues that his agent has recognized that Raul may well end up in the Premier League, but adds that their are other options like Quatar and the U.S. This is where my bullshit radar goes up on this story because so far I have not heard anywhere of any English clubs being interested in grabbing Raul. Is this a ploy by Raul’s agent to get him to play more minutes. Is it a threat of “I am leaving ” in order for the club to give Raul the need of being important? I don’t know, but unless Raul himself comes out saying he wants to leave, then I simply will disregard this story.

In an interview with Don Balon, Sergio Ramos spoke about how Pellegrini has found the ideal style of football for this team, his injuries, and praises the great abilities of Karim Benzema. However, what stood out in the interview was his response on who he would sign from Barcelona for Madrid. He said none other than Casper himself, Andres Iniesta. Hmm not to step out of bounds with my madridismo, but he is also my favorite player of Barcelona. Until I find an English transcript of the interview I will post up what I found on the official site and also the don balon site for the entire interview. Real Madrid (English and only parts of the interview). And Don Balon( in spanish)

Finally we end with the sweet words Pepe had for Felipe Luis, who suffered a horrifying injury to his knee against Atletic Bilbao.

“I wish to send an affectionate message to Filipe Luis. Images from his injury have caused an impact on all of us. He is a player who has proved his worth nonetheless.”

“He is a jolly person who is strong enough to get over this. He will prove to be a fighter off the pitch and we hope he recovers soon to thrill football fans with his game again. I wish to send him all my support.”

Pepe has already returned to Valdebebas after the surgery! He spoke about how he is anticipating the moment when he can finally start his recovery program and his goals for the New Year. And on another sidenote: Pepe has hair! A little wierd but he’s rocking it well.

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O’Donnell

How do you feel?

I feel very well. I’m happy because I’m recovering well from surgery. I am rather anxious to begin my recovery programme.

How have your first days back at work been like?

I began working after I had surgery. The following day I started exercising to recover mobility on my knee as soon as possible. I’m gradually recovering my strength and I expect to stop using crutches in one or two weeks. The important thing is that everything went fine and that I’m motivated to get back into shape.

What have your team-mates said to you?

They have great hearts. They teased me a bit about my hair… They’ve always supported me and they seem to be happy to see me recover from my injury.

What did the doctor say when you talked to him?

He says I’m fine and that my recovery is going according to the schedule we devised. I have to hear from the physiotherapists and start tackling the recovery strategy they’ve set for me.

Are you psychologically stronger now?

I once said the messages of support that were sent to the Club’s website would help me gather strength. The support from my team-mates also did. I will work hard for all their sakes. I will always smile and be as joyful as possible. I just want things to go as well as they’ve done so far.

What are your goals for the new year?

I want to work, work and work some more. I just think about recovering my strength and grow confident during my recovery

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Sanita’s Official announcement on Pepe’s injury:

As originally planned, Pepe has started working at Valdebebas with the Sanitas-Real Madrid Medical Services after spending three weeks in Portugal following his surgery.

Now that his surgery wound has sealed, the player will spend the next two weeks doing strengthening exercises in the pool before tackling more specific recovery workouts.